RGU Notes

The Seniors had a comfortable 5 point win away to Liatroim on Friday evening to move them into second place in the league, two points ahead of their nearest rivals. Next up will be a home fixture against Loughinisland, the date still has to be confirmed writes Michael Starkey. The Under 16’s had an impressive win in the summer league over Loughinisland on Thursday night, winning by a score of 4-16 to 1-9. In a game that was arguably their best showing of the year, there were some great performances from Conor McGrady, Adam Prenter, Frank Starkey, and Owen McEvoy. The one thing that stood out in the overall performance was the commitment and teamwork from all the lads. Players from both the U-16 and U-14 squads got together on Sunday morning to take part in an under-15 7-a-side all county blitz in Mayobridge. This was a preliminary grading exercise to put the teams into either the “A” or “B” section for next week, when the competition will be played for real at Pairc Tomas Ruiseal. The Hoops were drawn in the same group as Saul, Liatroim, and St Pauls. After beating Saul by a scoreline of 4-4 to 0-1, and beating St Pauls by a scoreline of 2-3 to 1-0, the lads lined out against Liatroim to decide who would win the group. Some slack defending put the Hoops into early difficulties, and they were soon 5 points down. A goal from Frank Starkey followed by a point from Conor Doherty put them back in it, and when Owen McEvoy slotted over one more the whistle was blown for a well earned and well deserved draw. The Hoops won the group with a superior goal difference and will play in the “A” section next Sunday morning. The Cul Camp comes to us this week, so there will be no training for the U-10s on Thursday evening. Training has also been cancelled next Saturday morning for the U-8’s and U-10’s due to the U-12 blitz.

“> U-12 season continues to soar, as the boys won three league games in a week and lifted the Gerry Burns Memorial Cup in St Johns. After the win last Sunday away to Bredagh, the boys took on Castlewellan at PTR on Tuesday night. A great team performance led to a thoroughly deserved victory, RGU 3-10 Castlewellan 2-08. The Seconds’ team also played and again came away with a win. On Saturday the Firsts’ travelled to St Johns and after three comfortable wins against the home club, Burren and Annaclone the boys progressed to a quarter final against Mayobridge. This was a terrific match in which RGU eventually overhauled their opponents in the second half to set up a semi final with Castlewellan. The guys were on a roll now and ran out winners by a 4 pt margin. Waiting in the Final were old foes Carryduff. Previous meetings between the two teams this season led to narrow victories for the Belfast side, but the Hoops were not to be denied a third time. Strong running and a huge work ethic saw the lads run out 3 pt winners  and afterwards the Captain, Paul Smyth, lifted the cup on behalf of the team. Finally on Sunday RGU played Bryansford at home. Hoping to reverse the result from earlier in the season the boys tore into them from the start and never let go. Despite being down to 10 players for the entire second half, the boys continued to dominate with no little skill, running out convincing winners 5-09 to 0-12. The Seconds put in a strong performance too as they also won their match against Bryansford Seconds. Next up is the RGU U-12 Tournament on Saturday and a league match on Sunday. Training continues on Tue at 7pm. If anyone would like to order the new Club wind cheater contact Roisin Hampton on 07795107288; for new Club polo shirts contact Roisin Polly, 07871744103. Both cost £20, usual conditions apply. Lotto numbers for this week were 3, 6, 8, and 9. Jackpot not won, 8 share £100. Next week’s jackpot £2900. For party bookings ring Brian on 07745496213. Also remember the RGU Charity Poker nights every last Friday in the month, start time 8.30. If you have any club information/ announcements or match reports which you would like to have included in next week’s Club Notes, please send the details via email to rgu1@hotmail.co.uk Our web site is updated on a regular basis. For all the latest news go to www.rgudownpatrick.com]]>